At Camp David, 'No, After You'

Published: July 13, 2000

To the Editor:

Re ''Arab-Israeli Talks Open at Camp David'' (front page, July 12):

You suggest that the insistence of Yasir Arafat, the Palestinian leader, and Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel that the other enter first into the Laurel Cabin at Camp David was an indication of each man's reluctance to be the first to concede to anything at all.

In fact, in much of the Middle East, ''after you'' is a deferential gesture that is taken very seriously. Their ''stubborn jig'' and its playful resolution show respect and good rapport. Given the history of this process, let's guard even small victories.